A Beginner's Guide to Grilling and Barbecuing

Summer is upon us, and there's no better way to celebrate than by firing up the grill and hosting a barbecue. 

For those new to the world of grilling and barbecuing, it can seem a bit daunting at first. Fear not! 

This guide will help you get started, ensuring that you can enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked food in no time.

Understanding Grilling vs. Barbecuing

Firstly, it's essential to understand the difference between grilling and barbecuing:

Grilling: This involves cooking food quickly over direct heat, usually at high temperatures. It's perfect for steaks, burgers, sausages, and vegetables.

Barbecuing: This is a slower cooking process over indirect heat, typically using smoke to add flavour. It's ideal for larger cuts of meat like ribs, brisket, and whole chickens.

Choosing Your Grill

There are several types of grills available, each with its pros and cons:

Charcoal Grills: These offer a traditional smoky flavour and high heat. They're affordable but require more time to heat up and can be messier to clean.

Gas Grills: These are convenient and heat up quickly. They offer good temperature control but don't provide the same smoky flavour as charcoal grills.

Electric Grills: These are perfect for indoor use or where open flames are not permitted. They are easy to use but lack the depth of flavour provided by charcoal or gas grills.

Essential Tools and Equipment

To get started, you'll need some basic tools:

Grill: Choose one that suits your needs and space.

Charcoal, Gas, or Electric Supply: Depending on your grill type. Incidentally, although they are generally considered to be not environmentally friendly if this is your first foray into the world if barbecuing, it might be worth buying a disposable barbecue unit to see how you and your family get on with the concept of barbecuing? However, you can find eco-friendly disposable barbecues on Amazon, etc.

Grill Brush: For cleaning the grill grates.

Tongs and Spatula: For handling food on the grill.

Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meat is cooked to the correct temperature.

Aluminium Foil: Useful for wrapping food to keep it moist.

Basting Brush: For applying marinades and sauces.

Getting Started

Preparation: Start by cleaning your grill. For charcoal grills, light the charcoal and wait until it's covered with grey ash (about 20 minutes). For gas grills, preheat for 10-15 minutes. Electric grills need to be preheated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Marinade and Season: Marinate your meat for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavour and tenderness. Season vegetables with oil, salt, and pepper.

Cooking:

For grilling, place your food directly over the heat source. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, flipping when necessary.

For barbecuing, arrange the coals on one side of the grill or use the indirect heat setting on a gas grill. Place the food away from the direct heat and close the lid to trap the smoke.

Monitoring: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat. Here are some guidelines:

Beef: Rare (52°C), Medium (60°C), Well Done (70°C)

Chicken: 75°C

Pork: 70°C

Resting: Allow your meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute. This will make it juicier and more flavourful.

Tips for Success

Keep it Simple: Start with basic recipes and gradually try more complex ones as you gain confidence.

Stay Safe: Always have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand nearby, especially when using a charcoal or gas grill.

Experiment with Flavours: Try different marinades, rubs, and wood chips (for charcoal grills) to add unique flavours to your food.

Popular Recipes to Try

Grilled Chicken Breasts: Marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side.

Barbecued Ribs: Rub with a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook over indirect heat for 2-3 hours, basting with barbecue sauce during the last hour.

Vegetable Skewers: Thread chunks of bell peppers, courgettes, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers. Brush with olive oil and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.

Grilling and barbecuing can be a fun and rewarding way to cook. With the right equipment, a bit of practice, and a dash of creativity, you'll soon be serving up delicious meals that will impress your family and friends. Happy grilling!

Are you a BBQ genius who has aspirations to be a film director? The BBQ Baptas are now open!

Image courtesy of National BBQ Week

The BBQ Baptas are back! This is the prize winning video competition that's a vital part of the 28th National BBQ Week.

Budding Martin Scorseses  or Spielbergs can enter videos into one of three categories: 

Best-Ever BBQ; Funniest-Ever BBQ and Strangest- Ever BBQ. And the winners in each category will net themselves a fantastic prize. A BBQ Griddle from leading US brand Blackstone

This is a fantastic chance for BBQ fans who have a yearning to be a film director and a part of the BBQ  celebrations.

You have until July 31st to submit entries.The BBQ Baptas are just one part of one of the National BBQ week that celebrates the UKs love of barbecuing.

The Baptas are a great, fun way for folks to get involved and it so easy as entries can be posted on the National BBQ Week Facebook page.

Full details of the competition, prizes and T&Cs are available here https://nationalbbqweek.co.uk/bbq-baptas/

Tracklements Special Edition Zingy Burger Sauce

The latest addition to the Tracklements artisan, planet-friendly range of condiments will make firing up your barbecue well worth the effort for friends and family whether they’re vegan, pescatarian or meat eaters.

Take your burgers from ho-hum to holy moly this National Barbecue Week!

Wanting something to give your sausages, burgers, steaks and vegan delights a bit of a boost? Then you and your guests will find their taste buds well and truly tantalised delight in this vegan, gluten free delight.

Because new Special Edition Zingy Burger Sauce is a chef-level burger sauce approved by famous  restaurateur and top chef Mark Hix. 

It has carefully combined levels of lemon juice, mustard, turmeric, black pepper, allspice and chillies, offering you the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

It's designed to do justice to bangers, burgers, hot fogs, kebabs, halloumi burgers, flame-grilled vegies and a whole lot more!

In 1970, William Tullberg made the first British wholegrain mustard. 54 years on William’s son, Guy, carries on his legacy. However, the single variety of mustard has grown into eight varieties and in excess of 50 award-winning chutneys, relishes and sauces.

Their products are at home in the kitchen store cupboard and in the kitchens of celebrity chefs. And since 1970 when it was founded by William Tullberg (now operated by his son, Guy, they range of mustards sauces and relishes are still handmade using locally sauced high quality ingredients (when possible) in Wiltshire. 

As good as homemade? Yes and sometimes better because dob't forget, they have had the recipes for 54 years!

And it's a B Corp accredited business, too.

Tracklements Special Edition Zingy Burger Sauce RRP £4.10 for 290g, is available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at www.tracklements.co.uk.

www.tracklements.co.uk @tracklements #tastytracklements

Celebrating National Barbecue Week: A Sizzling Tribute

As the aroma of smoky, grilled delicacies wafts through neighbourhoods across the UK, it's that time of year again to don our aprons and tongs. National Barbecue Week is upon us, and it’s a glorious celebration of one of our nation’s most beloved culinary traditions.

This week, we revel in the simple joys of outdoor cooking, the laughter of friends and family gathered around a grill, and the unmistakable taste of barbecued goodness.

A Tradition Rooted in Joy

Barbecuing is more than just a method of cooking; it’s a cultural event that brings people together. Whether it's the humble sausage sizzle, a perfectly grilled steak, or a veggie kebab, the barbecue is a symbol of summer’s arrival. It transforms our gardens and parks into lively hubs of activity and conversation.

National Barbecue Week, celebrated annually in late May and early June, is the perfect opportunity to embrace this tradition. It encourages us to step outside, light up the grill, and savour the experience of cooking and eating outdoors. It’s a time to experiment with new recipes, share our favourite dishes, and enjoy the sunshine.

The Art of the Barbecue

Barbecuing is an art form, blending the right ingredients, temperatures, and techniques to create mouth-watering masterpieces. From marinating meats overnight to achieving the perfect char, every step is an adventure in culinary creativity. This week is an invitation to refine those skills, try out innovative marinades, and perhaps even venture into the world of smoking meats.

But let’s not forget the sides and accompaniments that make a barbecue truly special. Crisp salads, tangy coleslaw, buttered corn on the cob, and freshly baked bread rolls complement the main event, creating a feast that tantalises every taste bud.

A Sustainable Barbecue

National Barbecue Week also provides an excellent opportunity to consider sustainability. Choosing locally sourced produce, organic meats, and eco-friendly charcoal can make your barbecue not only delicious but also environmentally conscious. Additionally, exploring plant-based barbecue options can cater to diverse dietary preferences and reduce our carbon footprint.

Bringing People Together

At its heart, barbecuing is about community. It's about inviting neighbours over, hosting family reunions, and making memories with friends. The grill becomes a focal point where stories are shared, laughter is abundant, and the sense of togetherness is palpable. In our fast-paced world, these moments of connection are priceless.

Celebrating Safely

As we embrace National Barbecue Week, it’s important to remember safety. Ensure your grill is set up in a safe location, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and always supervise children around the barbecue. Following safety guidelines ensures that our celebrations are not only enjoyable but also free from accidents.

Join the Celebration

This National Barbecue Week, let’s come together to celebrate the flavours, fun, and fellowship that barbecuing brings. Share your barbecue pictures on social media, swap recipes with friends, and most importantly, savour every bite of the delicious food you've prepared. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a barbecue novice, this week is for everyone to enjoy.

So, fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and let’s make this National Barbecue Week the best one yet. Here’s to sizzling sausages, perfect burgers, and a week filled with the joy of outdoor cooking. Cheers to a barbecue well done!

https://nationalbbqweek.co.uk